CD Review: TP & Co./Steppe Forward

Jazz vibist Ted Piltzecker has by default succeeded in conjuring up a palatable and compelling CD Project if just by his choice of sidemen and the specific jazz standards contained therein. ''Nica's Dream'' stands out as one of the group's successgful treatments that will stir your sensibilities. The group luxuriates and grooves with excitement, charm, and lyricism as they bring this particular take to fruition. The combined group plays with a certain emphatic cadence

that can't be denied as well as with musical and harmonic contrasts that will startle one's imagination. Subjectively speaking, I hear strong music that is enriched, delicate, decorative, mysterious and subdued albeit broad and thoughtful.